Strange Daze Indeed

Isn't life strange? And wonderful!

Save Big at Sam’s Club December Savings Week!

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This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own.

It’s snowing outside my window, and, as I enjoy my mug of hot peppermint cocoa, I’m dreaming of the perfect holiday gifts for my friends and family and browsing online at Sam’s Club. As part of their December Savings week, Sam’s Club has so many amazing deals including great buys on holiday gifts!

So that you can plan too, here is a preview. There are so many gift ideas including clothing, tech, toys and telescopes. There’s really something for everyone on your list. And, for yourself!

I’m definitely thinking of purchasing this Apple Watch for my sister since she loves mine for its fitness tracking and because it also monitors your heart rate. The Apple Watch has so many cool features. The Sleep app lets you set a bedtime routine to track your sleep and you can get calls, messages, and music right on your wrist. You can save $30!

Apple Watch SE 44mm GPS

We’ve also been thinking of purchasing a large-screen Smart TV since we’ve been having more movie nights and binging more series like The Queen’s Gambit and Ozark.

This Vizio 70″ Class V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV – V705-H is on sale for $130 off and would be perfect for the living room.

VIZIO 70″ Class V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV – V705-H

I love my Sam’s Club membership, and it’s saved me so much over the years, but, for those who don’t have one yet, here’s a special offer for you. Join now for $45 & receive a free Rotisserie Chicken, Take & Bake Pizza, and 8 count cupcakes, valued at $20.95. Yum! (This offer is good from 12/7/20-1/31/21).

Sam’s Club Scan & Go and Curbside Pickup options allow you to shop safely in these challenging times. You can learn more here about the steps they’re taking to help protect everyone – including masks, visual social distancing markers and sanitized carts as well as curbside pickup.

For contact-free shopping in your club, you’re encouraged to use the exclusive Scan & Go™ feature in the Sam’s Club app. Simply scan your items with your phone, pay in the app and skip the checkout line.

This year’s holidays may look a little different, but, it’s all about the spirit and the joy you bring and share. Be well and enjoy the season, friends!

 

 

Getting the Best Black Friday Deals at Best Buy

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Whenever I think of Black Friday, that Steely Dan song gets stuck in my head like an earworm. Just me?

To most of the country, however, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, conjuring up images of incredible savings if you can outwit outlast and outsmart the crowds.

My earliest Black Friday memories involve standing in line with my Mom before dawn with a thermos of coffee and fried egg sandwiches while we planned what toys we would get to surprise my younger sister, what tech to get Dad and just enjoying the overall giddiness and fun.

Being a technophile, I am eagerly awaiting the deals at Best Buy It’s one of my favorite stores and one where you can find awesome prices on most in-demand tech products from 4K HDR TVs to gaming consoles, smartphones, laptops and more. Some of their deals have already been released while others will start on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.

I’ve been needing a new laptop for work and have been holding out for months because with enough patience and perseverance you can really score and still have money left over for eggnog. I know that the latest MacBook Air will be on sale at Best Buy along with the Surface Pro 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, whether it be the iPhone 11Pro, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 Plus or the Google Pixel 4, Black Friday is the time to get huge discounts.

I also have my eye on a microwave with an air fryer built in, a new juicer, and I’m also looking to pick up some new headphones from Beats or Sony.  I’m always amazed at the variety and excellent prices at Best Buy.

Over the years, I’ve learned some tips and tricks to maximize success, including getting enough sleep beforehand so you’re not dragging when it comes to finding the best deals:

Have a list ready of those you are buying for and desired gifts. Although it’s fun to shop spontaneously as well, being prepared makes sure you don’t miss anyone or anything.

Do your research beforehand. For example, if you’re looking for a laptop, check out the specs and features. Get an idea of prices so that you’ll know if you’re really getting a good deal. Read reviews and talk to friends before Black Friday.

Have clear notes in your phone so you can refer to them quickly when needed.

One of my crucial tips is to always check online before Black Friday. Even though you may not have time to sift through every ad and stay updated to items as they pop up, trust me, there are people who do this. Find a favorite site that will keep you updated on the Best Black Friday Deals at Best Buy This has led me to the most amazing finds, sales, discounts, coupons and coupon codes.

And, above all, don’t get too stressed out. Remember, there’s always CyberMonday!

Enhance Your Lifestyle with the SunBrite Veranda Series Outdoor TV

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Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card for the purposes of this review however the thoughts, opinions and excitement here are strictly my own.


 

I’ve always been passionate about being outdoors and sometimes I think if I could have my bedroom out there I would. I’m also passionate about entertainment, especially home theater, and love new tech!

 

I recently discovered the  SunBrite Veranda Series at Best Buy, a family of weatherproof televisions designed for full-shade applications. This is the best of both worlds, right? You can bring the convenience you’re used to indoors outside.

The SunBriteTV Veranda Series is a family of weatherproof televisions designed for full-shade outdoor spaces, like covered patios and screened-in porches.  They are engineered to survive just about any climate in North America, resisting the harsh effects of rain, snow, dust, insects, and extreme temperatures.

 

 

No more having to choose between enjoying the weather or watching the game or getting stuck inside because you want to binge watch Breaking Bad  or Stranger Things.  Indoor TVs don’t belong outside but SunBriteTVs are high-performance and specifically made for the outdoors and engineered for permanent outdoor installation.

 

Veranda comes standard with a direct-lit 4K UHD screen with HDR, which is up to 50% brighter than indoor TVs for improved viewing in brighter outdoor environments. It’s more durable, safer, and a better experience that using an indoor TV outdoors.



Imagine watching your favorite movie with the entire family outside, a romantic evening with your significant other, or having all your friends over to watch the game! Such a great gift idea for Father’s Day too!

 

Outdoor living trends are strong, and all-weather TVs can really enhance the outdoor lifestyle. In fact, creating an outdoor home theater is the most affordable room addition you can make, and the best seat in the house is in your backyard!


Now you can grill, eat outside and watch your favorite show – a seamless evening spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air and nature’s beauty. Save me a seat!

 

Optimize Health and Wellness with the Fossil Smartwatch at Best Buy

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The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product.

Health and wellness are so important to me and I love to know that I’m taking the best care of myself that I can. I incorporate healthy eating, good hydration, exercise that I love which includes daily yoga, walks in nature or on the beach no matter the season.  I also try to reduce stress with mindfulness since our thoughts create so much of our reality. Emphasizing the positive is key.

Christmas came early for me when I received the beautiful Fossil Gen 4 Venture HR Smartwatch from Best Buy. This women’s watch is super stylish and combines classic design with modern tech. This watch was super easy to set up and it tracks distance, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken and floors climbed.  The rose gold band blends with my exercise clothes at the gym, casual or business outfits and I get notifications without having to carry my phone or other devices. With its vibrate mode, I can quietly be alerted to incoming emails, calls and text messages as well as upcoming events.

I love that this new Fossil smartwatch  with Wear OS by Google makes it easier to be healthy with the Google Fit app’s two new activity trackers—Heart Points and Move Minutes—which were designed in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization. These evidence-based metrics measure activity intensity, and smarter health coaching and make your fitness goals more achievable by motivating you to stay active throughout your day, everyday. This smartwatch is also swimproof and able to play stored music on your runs.

With this watch you have quick access to Google Pay—so you can pay with a wave at almost anyplace that accepts credit cards and you can even customize your watch face. It communicates with both iPhone and Android smartphones for easy data collection.

I highly recommend this watch, a thoughtful and stylish gift for the woman in your life or yourself! Available now at Best Buy

 

Join Us For a Holiday Smart Tech Twitter Party 11/13

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The holidays are a beautiful time to enjoy festivities and family, but they can be even more fun with a little smart tech!

Please join us for our November Twitter Party with Constellation.

We’ll be talking about Smart Tech for the Holidays and you can win some awesome prizes including a Ring Doorbell & Amazon Gift Card, a Robot Vaccuum, and an Automatic Pet Feeder.

Join us, Tuesday, 11/13 from 2-3 CST, 3-4 EST, follow Constellation on Twitter and tweet using #ConstellationConnects! No RSVP needed.

 

See you there!

 

 

Better Sound with Bose Speakers at Best Buy

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The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

 

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. – Aldous Huxley

I love silence. But, I also love music and sound! Listening to my favorite songs whether Dylan or Bowie, watching my favorite movies like Pan’s Labyrinth, or listening to the sound of the rain, I’m transported.

If your’re an audiophile like me and love the latest connected home products, you’ll love the new Bose® family of smart speakers and soundbars.

With superior Bose sound, the entertainment possibilities are unlimited. The new Bose family of smart speakers and soundbars has built-in voice control from Amazon Alexa that puts millions of songs in easy reach. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, you can wirelessly stream whatever you want, whenever and however you want. Plus, future software updates will add new features.


Control goes way beyond voice. Enjoy one-touch access to the music you love or manage it all from the Bose Music app.

 

Want more music in more rooms? The new Bose family of smart speakers and soundbars works together. The Bose Soundbar 700, designed to be the world’s best soundbar, delivers an unmatched combination of sophisticated design and exceptional crisp, clear sound. The stylish Bose Soundbar 500 has a thin profile that fits discreetly under your TV, while its powerful acoustics fill the room with sound. And the Bose Home Speaker 500 delivers the widest sound of any smart speaker.

Feel the full power of your favorite music, movies and TV shows. With Amazon Alexa built in, your favorite music is just a voice away.

Hey Alexa, “Play Isn’t She Lovely”

 

Get yours at Best Buy today!

 

Join us for a Home Security #TwitterParty – Tuesday, 10/16

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Connected homes are the wave of the future, and automated home security systems are no exception.

 

Please join us for a fun and informative twitter chat with Constellation on Home Security Automation, Tuesday, October 16, from 2-3pm CST, 3-4pm EST.

No need to RSVP; just follow us & tweet with #ConstellationConnects.

 

Prizes include:

Constellation Connect (first winner selected in Connect market) & Amazon Alexa Echo Dot

Yale Smart Door Lock

Smart Plug & Light Bulb Starter Kit

Learn more: https://blog.constellation.com/2018/03/02/home-security-automation/

 

See you there!

 

 

This is a partnered post with Constellation.

Cut the Cord with Google Chromecast!

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The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

 

As the weather cools down, I know that we’ll be spending a lot more time indoors. I’m actually really looking forward to this and a break from rushing around.  I’m dreaming of curling up on our couch with warm blankets, a bowl of Heirloom popcorn, and a mug of Earl Grey tea, watching my favorite shows on our big screen tv.

We’ve cut the cord on cable, realizing that it didn’t fit our needs and was way too expensive. The shows we love most are often on streaming services and while we can watch them on our phones or laptop, it’s wonderful to have them on the big screen as well now.

Are you looking for a simple affordable way to stream video content straight to your TV? If so, the Google Chromecast Streaming Media player is for you. It easily plugs into your TV’s HDMI port granting you access to your favorite streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Now and others. You can also watch movies, shows, live TV, and photos streaming on your TV from all your family’s devices.

You can even give Chromecast vocal commands through Google Assistant.

Using Chromecast is simple: Plug Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV to power and stream your favorite entertainment right from your phone with just a tap. Watch shows, listen to playlists, and more. And while streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do.

So why not upgrade your tv now? Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV. In fact, it’s so affordable you can get one for every TV in the house! I love mine. Enjoy!

Enhance Your Outdoor Lifestyle with SunBriteTV – Veranda Series!

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Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card for the purposes of this review however the thoughts, opinions and excitement here are strictly my own.

I think I’m in love.

 

I’ve always been passionate about being outdoors and sometimes I think if I could have my bedroom out there I would. I’m also passionate about entertainment, especially home theater, and love new tech!

 

I recently discovered the SunBriteTV – Veranda Series, a family of weatherproof televisions designed for full-shade applications. This is the best of both worlds, right? You can bring the convenience you’re used to indoors outside.

 

 

The SunBriteTV Veranda series is a family of weatherproof televisions designed for full-shade applications (like covered patios and screened-in porches): Full Shade (Veranda), Partial Sun (Signature), and Full Sun (Pro).

 

No more having to choose between enjoying the weather or watching the game or getting stuck inside because you want to binge watch Game of Thrones or Stranger Things. Indoor TVs don’t belong outside but SunBriteTVs are high-performance and specifically made for the outdoors and engineered for permanent outdoor installation.

 

SunBriteTV Veranda outdoor TVs provide durability and safety for shaded install locations, like covered patios and screened-in porches. Veranda comes standard with a premium direct-lit 4K UHD screen, is brighter than typical indoor televisions and includes built-in down-firing speakers.

 

Imagine watching your favorite movie with the entire family outside, a romantic evening with your significant other,  or having all your friends over to watch the game! Such a great gift idea for Father’s Day!

 

 

Outdoor living trends are strong, and all-weather TVs can really enhance the outdoor lifestyle. In fact, creating an outdoor home theater is the most affordable room addition you can make, and the best seat in the house is in your backyard!

 

Features
  • Engineered for use in different climates – allows for operation in low temperatures from -24°F and high temperatures up to 104°F
  • Up to 30% brighter than indoor TVs – offers improved viewing in brighter outdoor environments
  • Premium 4K UHD screen with direct LED backlight – performs well in all lighting conditions
  • Powder-coated rust-proof aluminum exterior – protects internal components from rain, snow, dust, insects, humidity, and salt air

Special Offer

  • Get a free black Outdoor Weatherproof Tilt Mount for 37″- 80″ TV Screens & Displays with the purchase of a  SunBriteTV – Veranda Series – 55″ Class LED – Outdoor – Full Shade – 2160p – 4K Ultra HD TV at Best Buy.

 

Now you can grill, eat outside and watch your favorite show – a seamless evening spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air and nature’s beauty. Save me a seat!

 

The Google Pixelbook is Sleek, Sturdy and Versatile! – Best Chromebook to Date!

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Are you interested in the newest tech? Then, consider upgrading to the Google Pixelbook!

Pixelbook is the new high-performance Chromebook designed to enhance the way you work and play.  The Pixelbook is stunning. At just 10.3mm, Pixelbook is Google’s thinnest laptop ever, with a lightweight aluminum construction. Because it’s ultra-thin and light, it’s super portable. You can easily throw it in your bag or backpack and go.

With its collection of apps and Pixelbook Pen, it’s also incredibly versatile and easily adapts to your lifestyle whether you want to write your novel, get the lastest news, browse the net or play games. Because it’s powered by Chrome OS, you’ll always have the latest security and software. Chrome is by far my favorite browser, so that’s a definite plus!

The 360° touchscreen and versatile 4-in-1 design will easily meet your needs. You can sketch or edit photos, stay productive with GSuite apps that Drive automatically backs up to your device, and enjoy on-or-offline access to movies and TV shows with apps like Google Play Movies, Netflix, and YouTube Red.

The Pixelbook is the very first laptop with the Google Assistant built in, so you can get more done faster and smarter. The Google Assistant is simple to use and easily accessible via the dedicated key on the keyboard or by using the “Ok Google” wake word. You can also access it with the Pixelbook Pen. How cool is that?

Pixelbook is sleek, super sharp and ready to go when you are. It starts up in under 10 seconds, stays fast, and has a fast-charging, all-day battery that gives you up to ten hours of use from a single charge.

Now you can do more of what you love with apps including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Photos and more. You can always download your favorites from YouTube Red and Google Play Movies to enjoy even without Wi-Fi.

In Short: The Google Pixelbook is beautifully-designed, elegant, sturdy and quick. Its separately sold  Pixelbook Pen was developed in collaboration with Wacom and can detect pressure and angle and brings more fun to the table.

Save $100

Special Deal: Right now, save $100 on the Google Pixelbook at Best Buy from 3/25-4/7!

 

Disclosure: This is a partnered post with Best Buy, but, all excitement and opinions are purely mine.

 

 

 

 

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